Crook's impressive night came after scoring 17 in a loss against Southern Miss in the opener. George Fant also had a big game for Western Kentucky (1-1), scoring 15 points while collecting a game-high 14 rebounds and four blocked shots. Teeng Akol and T.J. Price also scored in double figures with 14 points and 11 points, respectively.

Austin Peay (1-1) struggled from the floor, connecting on just 32.8 percent of its shots. A.J. Lynch knocked down three outside shots en route to a team-high 15 points, while Chris Horton tallied 12 points and 10 boards.

The Governors trailed by as many as 10 points in the first half but fought back to tie the game at 33-33 heading into halftime.

Western Kentucky scored the first six points of the second half. Leading 49-43 midway through the half, the Hilltoppers ran off 14 straight points to blow the game open.

Austin Peay assisted on just seven baskets compared to 17 for Western Kentucky.